SOLIDWORKS DXF/DWG Export Does Not Show Flat Pattern Bend Lines

Problem

SOLIDWORKS uses the options in the default drawing template to control the Flat Pattern DXF and DWG export. If you do not have bend lines visible in the default drawing template, these bend lines will not appear in a DXF or DWG export. This affects DXF and DWG files exported from Part files.

This article shows how to ensure your drawing template options are correct for the best Flat Pattern.

Solution: Change View Options in Default Drawing Template

This section describes how to change the view setting for bend lines in the default drawing template. If you have a template that has this option enabled, you can change the default drawing template using steps 8-9. 

Follow the steps below to change view options and show bend lines in DXF and DWG flat patterns:

1. Open the default drawing template by creating a new document.

   

2. Open the drop-down menu next to the eye icon in the Heads-Up Toolbar.

   

3. Enable the "View Bend Lines" option from the drop-down menu.

   

4. Select File > Save As.

5. Change the Save as type to "Drawing Templates (*.drwdot)".

   

6. Find the file location that you would like to store this template in. The file location for default templates is: C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2026\templates
7. Rename the file as needed and click "Save".

8. Since you saved the template under a new name, you will need to change your default drawing document. Go to Tools>Options>System Options>Default Templates.

   

9. Use the "..." button to select the new drawing template.

   

10. Retest the DXF/DWG export.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.